Dry Needling

Dry Needling; relieving joint pain fast

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling is a treatment technique used by physiotherapists using acupuncture needles to target a trigger point to help alleviate pain, reduce spasm and return normal movement.  

How does dry needling work?

The needles cause changes within the body, helping to break up adhesions and scar tissue, create a healing response and reducing pain. Common conditions that may benefit from dry needling include back pain, neck pain, headaches, chronic pain and muscle tightness.

Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?

There are similarities but also significant differences between acupuncture and dry needling. Acupuncture is a common treatment technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to restore imbalances within the body.  It is suggested that acupuncture can treat a vast range of illnesses as well as reduce pain.

Dry needling is based on modern neurophysiology and anatomy and has been specifically developed for pain relief and musculoskeletal problems.

How is dry needling different?

To understand the dry needling concept, it is helpful to look at the mechanics involved in pain.

Musculoskeletal (muscle and/or joint) pain is often experienced as an area of tenderness at a trigger point site. This tender site is often accompanied by muscle shortening. A shortened muscle can become painful and not work properly. These trigger points may be found in muscles, tendons or ligaments.

The fine needles used in dry needling help release tension and reduce muscle tightness by stimulating your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, providing effective relief.
Dry needling goes beyond pain reduction—it also improves mobility and increases your range of motion. By interrupting dysfunctional muscle patterns, it helps restore function and reduce discomfort.

 What does a dry needling treatment involve?

If your physio thinks that you and your condition maybe suitable for dry needling the following steps are involved:

• Fine sterilised needles are inserted into the tender areas of the muscle
• You may feel a dull, heavy sensation.
• You may feel twitches in the muscle.
• Twitches may correspond with your pain.
• You may feel sore after the treatment.
• Maximum benefit often at 24-72 hours post treatment

Dry Needling is effective by itself or when used in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques.